Five Local Charities Receive Funding Via Mary Wakefield Animal Welfare Grant Program

For those who may not know, Mary Victoria Wakefield left a generous gift in her will to establish a grant program with ACF for local animal welfare charities. Animals were near and dear to the late Mrs. Wakefield, and thanks to her wonderful legacy gift made in 2004, we’ve been able to gift almost $170,000 to charities working to provide care, habitat, and support for all kinds of animals in the Fraser Valley. Every year, her family continues Mrs. Wakefield’s legacy, and we’re grateful for their continued support. 

This year, through the Wakefield Animal Welfare Grant program, we awarded funds to 5 local projects:

Enhancing Survival Through Specialized Foods

As a certified wildlife rehabilitator, Elizabeth has learned (over three decades of experience) that better-specialized foods for baby birds and small animals can significantly enhance recovery so they can be released back into the wild. However, because these formulas are very expensive, we’re proud to be able to support Elizabeth’s Wildlife Centre in purchasing these specialized foods to enhance the recovery and release of many small birds and other wildlife. 

Better Together Abbotsford

This project supports 13 Abbotsford families with 19 pets to access ongoing preventative and urgent vet care at South Fraser Animal Hospital. They are also linked to services like pet-friendly housing, end-of-life support, & licensing to help pet families stay together. We know that pets are a part of people’s families, and financial constraints can burden households already struggling to make ends meet. That’s why we’re so pleased to be able to provide this grant to Paws for Hope to help keep pets with their families. 

Retired Care Package for Police Service Dogs

The “K9 Retirement Program” was launched in 2019 and designed to help defray costs for veterinary care, food and insurance for APD’s retired service dogs. The APD does not budget for nor provide support for K9 veteran warriors, who have served for an average of 6.5 years. Thus, the Abbotsford Police Foundation works to find the resources to make this package possible. We’re grateful to be able to provide this grant to support our canine friends who have worked so hard to help make our communities safer. 

Supporting Veterinary Costs for the Care of Senior Animals

SAINTS Rescue provides a haven for senior, palliative, and special needs animals. One of their most expensive cost is addressing complex health needs, including specialized diet plans, costly vet treatments, and round-the-clock care. With over 200 animals either on site or in foster care, their vet costs are critical, and we’re glad to be able to offer this grant to help cover some of these health care costs. 

Zajac Ranch for Children Miniature Goat Shelter

Many people know that the Zajac Ranch is a special summer camp for children who may have medical issues or other disabilities. For this project, they will build goat shelters and fencing that seamlessly integrate into the ranch’s petting zoo. We’re happy to be able to offer this grant for these shelters that will not only ensure the safety of the animals but also become focal points for nurturing profound connections between children and animals. 

If you would like to add to Mrs. Wakefield’s legacy, you can donate to her fund, which will continue to support local animal charities today, tomorrow, and forever, by clicking here.